ROBERT WILLIAM STAINES SHOCKS BLAENAU WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Blaenau, Robert William Staines, a 59-year-old resident of Pantyblodau Road, was sentenced to nine months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images and stories involving children. The court proceedings revealed a deeply troubling pattern of behavior that included the download of over 11,000 indecent images of minors, as well as the writing of graphic stories depicting children being humiliated, tortured, and murdered.

Staines’s criminal activities came to light after a woman visiting his home noticed one of the illicit images on his computer and alerted authorities. Police responded swiftly, arresting him on May 19 and confiscating his computer for forensic examination. Subsequent investigations confirmed that Staines had been actively browsing child pornography websites, which he claimed, during questioning, he did not consider to be indecent material. However, the court, led by Judge Michael Burr, dismissed his assertions, describing the material as "appalling" and involving the exploitation and degradation of young boys and girls.

The court heard that Staines had admitted to 20 offenses related to the making and possession of indecent photographs. These charges were part of a larger collection, with the total number of images reaching 11,184. The prosecution emphasized that the charges represented only samples of his activities, and the court was encouraged to consider the full scope of his offenses. Despite the severity of the crimes, Staines was sentenced to 18 months but will serve only half of that time in custody. The remaining period will be served under supervision, with strict conditions aimed at preventing re-offending.

Prosecutor Dyfed Thomas highlighted that Staines’s residence was located near a park and a primary school, raising concerns about the potential risk he posed to children in the community. The court also ordered Staines to register as a sex offender, banning him indefinitely from having contact with children under 16, owning or using a computer, or accessing the internet. These restrictions are intended to remain in place for an indefinite period, reflecting the court’s concern about his future risk.

Neighbors of Staines, who had been unaware of his dark secret until the arrest, expressed their shock and concern. Many described him as a quiet, yet arrogant man who stayed up all night on his computer. Residents of Pantyblodau, a close-knit community, voiced their fears about his imminent release, with some stating they did not want him back in the village. Yvette McKenzie, a local resident, remarked, “I was really shocked to hear what he had done and I don’t think anyone realized how serious it was. I have only spoken to him once or twice and he seemed very arrogant. We just want him out of the village.”

Other neighbors, including Jonathan Thomas, a father of three, expressed concern that the nine-month sentence was insufficient. “Since the news about him has come out, I’ve seen a lot more parents waiting outside the school for their children,” he said. Paula Casey, another resident, added, “It sickens you to know that you live down the road from someone like that. He would sleep during the day and stay up all night on his computer. When he was on bail, we saw him sitting in front of his computer with the curtains open, almost like he was saying ‘so what?’ He showed no remorse.”

Other community members, including Llywela Liiv, voiced their ongoing concerns about the impact of his release, emphasizing that nobody in the village wanted such a person living nearby. A particularly troubling aspect of the case involved a letter sent to Derek Casey, a neighbor, by the law firm Rees Davies and Partners of Swansea. The letter suggested that Mr. Casey might be committing a criminal offense by sharing his views about Staines’s case, specifically by handing a copy of the Guardian to Staines’s wife. Mr. Casey clarified that he only handed her the newspaper and had no intention of harassment, stating, “I couldn’t believe it when I received the letter and read it through, as there’s so many mistakes. All I did was knock on her door and hand her a copy of the Guardian. She said thank-you very much. I just wanted him to know the view of the village.”

As the community grapples with the implications of Staines’s crimes and impending release, the case remains a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind seemingly ordinary facades in small towns like Blaenau.